Happy 1st Birthday, Jadiel!

Discover how our family celebrated Jadiel's 1st birthday alongside Chinese New Year, creating treasured memories and embracing cultural traditions.

This year’s Chinese New Year was remarkably special for our family. Not only did we usher in the auspicious Lunar New Year, but we also celebrated our little Jadiel’s first birthday, which fell delightfully on the second day of the holiday. The mingling of festive energy made the occasion truly memorable, filling our home with double the joy and laughter.

A Double Celebration: Chinese New Year and Jadiel's First Birthday

It’s astonishing how quickly time passes when you’re immersed in the blessings of parenthood! It feels like just yesterday that Jadiel came into our lives, and now we’re already marking his very first year. We look forward to creating many more cherished memories in the years to come.  Let's look at how his big day went, shall we? 😍

Morning Ritual: Jadiel's Zhuazhou Ceremony

Our day began with a traditional Zhuazhou (抓周) ceremony, a cherished ritual to mark a child's first year. Surrounded by family, we placed various symbolic items for Jadiel to choose from, each representing different future paths and talents. Watching him curiously reach out and select his "destined" item was a heartwarming experience that connected us to our cultural roots. It was a beautiful reminder of the hopes and dreams we hold for his future. Jadiel picked the golden abacus 3 times in a row. 🤣

For more photos, read my previous blog post: Our Baby Jadiel's Zhuazhou (抓周) Ceremony For His 1st Birthday

(For those unfamiliar, the Zhuazhou ceremony is a significant tradition that predicts a child's future inclinations based on the items they select. It's a meaningful way to celebrate a first birthday within Chinese culture.)

Setting the Stage: DIY Decorations with a Festive Twist

Preparing for Jadiel's birthday party was a labor of love. We dedicated time to transform a cozy corner of our home into a festive celebration space. Thanks to online shopping platforms, we found all the decorations we needed, embracing a DIY spirit that made the setup even more personal.

Given the coinciding celebrations, our decorations were a delightful blend of birthday cheer and Chinese New Year festivities. Red papers hung alongside colorful birthday banners, symbolizing both prosperity and joy. Golden accents, traditional Chinese knots, and playful elements created an ambiance that was both vibrant and meaningful.

We also set up a special table to showcase Jadiel's birthday cake—a centerpiece that would soon become a highlight of the evening.

The Quest for the Perfect Birthday Cake

No birthday is complete without a cake, and we wanted Jadiel's to be extraordinary. However, finding a bakery available during the bustling holiday season proved challenging. Many of the well-known bakeries in Melaka were fully closed for the festivities.

Just when we thought we might have to compromise, we discovered a charming local bakery near our home. They eagerly took on our request and crafted a custom-made birthday cake adorned with Jadiel's favorite Avengers figurines: Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor just to name a few. The cake was not only visually stunning but also delicious—a sweet treat that perfectly encapsulated Jadiel's budding interests.

An Evening of Celebration: Feast and Festivities

As evening approached, excitement filled the air. We arranged for food catering to provide a sumptuous feast for our relatives and friends. The menu was a delightful mix of traditional dishes and contemporary favorites, ensuring there was something for everyone.

The spread was nothing short of amazing. There were golden crispy fried chicken and fragrant curry chicken that offered a perfect balance of spice and flavor. A favorite among many was the fish fillet fried with pineapple cuts, its sweet tangy sauce complementing the tender fish beautifully. The mixed vegetables, brimming with mushroom, black fungus, cauliflower, and broccoli, brought a healthy, vibrant crunch to the table.

The fried prawns were a hit too, perfectly coated and fried to golden perfection, while the fried rice and fried meehoon provided comforting staples to satisfy every palate. The dim sum, with its delicate flavors and bite-sized portions, was a crowd favorite, and refreshing orange juice completed the feast wonderfully.

To accommodate our guests comfortably, we set up several tables in our car porch, turning it into an extended dining area. Elaborate chinese new year decorations added a magical touch to the outdoor setting, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. The food was good overall, and we utterly enjoyed it — the laughter, conversations, and satisfied smiles were a testament to a truly wonderful evening shared among loved ones.

Thoughtful Touches: Door Gifts for Our Guests

We wanted to express our gratitude to everyone who joined us, so each guest received a special "door gift". Inside, they found a golden snake token—symbolizing good fortune in the Lunar New Year—and a delectable Ferrero Rocher chocolate. It was a small token of appreciation, reflecting the warmth and generosity we felt on this special day.

Let the Party Begin!

By 7:00 p.m., our home was buzzing with conversation and laughter. Seeing our loved ones come together to celebrate Jadiel warmed our hearts. The children played happily, and the adults caught up over delicious food.

The Birthday Song: A Moment to Cherish

At precisely 7:30 p.m., it was time for the main event. We gathered everyone around the cake table, and the familiar melody of the birthday song filled the air. Jadiel's eyes widened with wonder as he gazed at the glowing candles atop his cake.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

The jubilant chorus echoed with love and well-wishes. Helping Jadiel blow out his first birthday candle was a tender moment, one that we'll treasure forever. His siblings cheered, and the room erupted into applause.

A Grand Tradition for Our Little Ones

In our family, celebrating the first birthday has always been a grand affair. Just like Jadiel's full moon celebration, we believe his very first birthday is a significant milestone—not just for our baby Jadiel, but for our entire family. It's a celebration of the joy and growth we've experienced together over the past year.

Hosting a larger gathering allows us to share this happiness with those who have supported and loved us along the way. Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces reaffirmed the importance of community and togetherness in our lives.

Gratitude and Reflections

Looking back on Jadiel's birthday celebration, our hearts are filled with gratitude. The event was a resounding success, seamless and filled with joyous moments. We are incredibly thankful to our relatives and friends for their presence and for making the day unforgettable.

Some of my relatives. My apologies that I forgot to take more photos. 😓

Their love and support have been instrumental in Jadiel's first year, and we couldn't have asked for a better way to commemorate this special occasion.

Conclusion: Cheers to Many More Happy Years!

As we embark on the next chapter of Jadiel's journey, we are excited about the adventures that lie ahead. His first birthday was not just a celebration of a year gone by but a toast to the wonderful years to come.

Baby Jadiel with the person he loves the most-mommy 😍

To our dear Jadiel, Happy 1st Birthday! May your life be filled with happiness, love, and endless possibilities. And to everyone who joined us, both in person and in spirit, thank you for being a part of our family's story.

“Family is not an important thing. It's everything.” — Michael J. Fox